Chapter XV

Captain Lewis and his party still proceed on the route
mentioned in the last chapter, and arrive at the forks of
Maria’s river; of which river a particular description
is given. Alarmed by the evidence that they are in the
neighbourhood of unfriendly Indians, and much distressed for
want of provisions, the weather proving unfavourable, they
are compelled to return. The face of the country described.
Interview with the unfriendly Indians, called Minnetarees of
Fort de Prairie. Mutual consternation. Resolution of captain
Lewis. They encamp together for the night, apparently with
amicable dispositions. The conversation that ensued between
these new visitants. The conflict occasioned by the Indians
attempting to seize the rifles and horses of the party, in
which one is mortally wounded. Captain Lewis kills another
Indian, and his narrow escape. Having taken four horses
belonging to the Indians, they hastened with all expedition
to join the party attached to captain Clark. Arriving near
the Missouri they are alarmed by the sound of rifles, which
proves fortunately to be from the party of their friends,
under the command of serjeant Ordway. The two detachments
thus fortunately united, leave their horses, and descend the
Missouri in canoes. They continue their route down the river
to form a junction with captain Clark. Vast quantities of
game found in their passage down the river. Captain Lewis
accidentally wounded by one of his own party. They proceed
down the Missouri, and at length join captain Clark. 347